The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact - Maniax

 Xbox
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
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  1. Next Level Gaming
    90
    You get the sense when playing King of Fighters: Maximum Impact - Maniax that you're not really supposed to explore that third dimension, since the first two dimensions are what SNK know intimately.
  2. eToychest
    84
    For the most part, Maniax holds true to the KoF design, but it's also missing some of the style and heart that made previous iterations so successful.
  3. VGPub
    83
    A fantastic purchase for long-time KoF fans.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine
    82
    Another gem in a surprising embarrassmenet of [Xbox] brawling riches. [Aug 2005, p.85]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. GameZone
    80
    With the addition of some interesting modes, features, tighter gameplay and Xbox Live support this one certain beats the PS2 version.
  7. Armchair Empire
    80
    A 3D fighter for people who hate 3D fighters.
  8. BonusStage
    80
    It's speedy enough for the experts and got the looks to draw you in if you've somehow never heard of the series before. The occasional unbalanced opponent online or off might ruin your day for a minute or three, but the best fighter is never truly defeated... he just comes back and practices even harder.
  9. IGN
    78
    Due to its accessibility and tip-top Xbox Live interface, Maniax is a good choice for anyone looking for some fast-paced fighting action.
  10. Inside Gamer Online
    78
    If you consider yourself a fan of SNK, a fan of good online modes, or are just in the market for a new fighting game to take online while you wait for NeoWave or Samurai Shodown, look no further than The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact – Maniax.
  11. Worth Playing
    75
    Though it may lack much of a storyline, and seems a little rushed or even corny at times, King of Fighters still manages to come out swinging.
  12. Stuff
    75
    It's not as pretty as "Dead Or Alive Ultimate," or as technical as "Virtua Fighter 4," but this certainly has its own unique charm.
  13. Console Gameworld
    75
    The combat is fabulously old school, and when stacked against traditional 2D fighters, King of Fighters Maximum Impact easily holds its own.
  14. My Gamer
    74
    The game is bogged down by a slew of issues that simply negate any true aspirations to master this game.
  15. Game Over Online
    72
    It's a solid basis for future 3D games, and the engine itself isn't flawed. This isn't a great fighting game, or even a great King of Fighters game, but I've had some fun with it. I just wish it had been tweaked some on its way to the Xbox.
  16. GameSpot
    70
    Mostly suited for card-carrying King of Fighters fans, though the addition of a solid online play component makes the Xbox version of the game considerably more appealing than its PS2 predecessor.
  17. TeamXbox
    70
    You get the sense when playing King of Fighters: Maximum Impact - Maniax that you're not really supposed to explore that third dimension, since the first two dimensions are what SNK know intimately; not an uncommon thing to happen to a company heading out into uncharted waters, but a tough feeling to swallow nonetheless.
  18. Computer and Video Games
    70
    Battles are buzzy, entertaining affairs, full of energy and outrageous special moves, but as a complete package this falls way short of what we'd expect, especially when for the same money (thirty quid) you could probably pick up "DOA Ultimate" or "Soul Calibur II." [Official UK Xbox Magazine]
  19. Gaming Nexus
    70
    As of now this King of Fighters game just can't compete against the likes of "Soul Calibur," "Dead or Alive," and "Mortal Kombat." It's not a bad 3D fighting game, just one without any bells and whistles.
  20. PALGN
    70
    Maniax isn't necessarily a bad fighting game, it's just that it has gradually been eclipsed by franchises such as "Tekken," "Soul Calibur" and "Dead or Alive."
  21. DailyGame
    65
    Serviceable but stale, the King of Fighters is quickly losing his reign.
  22. Games Radar
    60
    A great entry point for newcomers to the series and 3D is welcome, but definitely not a game you should feel too bad about missing out on. [Xbox World]
  23. Game Chronicles
    60
    Unless you really like KOF series or plan on playing exclusively on Xbox Live you will probably want to steer clear of this game.
  24. Gaming Target
    60
    The new 3D effects are nice, the Xbox Live support is great for replay value and the great 2D-like gameplay is still here, but it's all been done before and it has been done better.
  25. GameSpy
    60
    The cast of fighters is shallow, filled with too many slow bruisers.
  26. Game Informer
    58
    I can't think of a single reason to spend time with Maniax when far more polished fighters like "Dead or Alive Ultimate" and "Mortal Kombat: Deception" are available. [Aug 2005, p.102]
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  27. Gamers' Temple
    58
    It's hard to recommend this game to anyone who is not a 2D fighting virtuoso looking for challenging play on Xbox Live.
  28. Gamezilla!
    55
    It's a completely weak title. If you're a diehard KOF fan, you might find something worthwhile here, but I can't say as I found more than a few minutes of fun.
  29. TotalGames.net
    55
    No matter how you approach Maximum Impact, it will disappoint. In trying to drag a 2D series into three dimensions, SNK Playmore has forgotten what made its own King Of Fighters games so celebrated and what makes 3D fighting games fun to begin with.
    All this publication's reviews
  30. GamerFeed
    50
    The online play extends its life ever so slightly, but after dealing with the nails-on-a chalkboard voices, the cheap AI, and stiff as a board character animations, I had no choice but to eject this drivel from my Xbox and apologize to "Dead or Alive Ultimate" for neglecting it.
  31. Gaming Age
    50
    You'd have to be a pretty hard core collector of King of Fighters games to want to add this to your collection. There's just no reason with games like "Tekken 5" and "Soul Calibur" out there.
  32. netjak
    49
    All in all, the easiest thing for me to say is that it's not worth your time or money.
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. MasterBayShun
    Jul 12, 2005
    8
    I will point out why it lacks in 2 places: 1. Character's win speech is annoying and often timed out of sync - it is noticable when I will point out why it lacks in 2 places: 1. Character's win speech is annoying and often timed out of sync - it is noticable when played. 2. Cheap graphical character upclose 3D animation hurts looking up close, rather than compliments. 3. WTF is up with the ending. On to the good: 1. The adjust to the game is not too hard, but last boss AI is a cheap shot cheater, but I like a challenge. 2. Animation overall is pretty good ingame. 3. At least one BMG stage song is memorable. The opera/techno/speed type one. 4. Overall, it kept me playing, trying to kill that cheatin' bastard of a boss with different characters and their styles. 5. Mai Shiranui's jigglies distract from other downfalls. Good selection of female characters, I mean.… Full Review »
  2. BlueFalcon
    Jul 2, 2005
    7
    The transition to 3d is done nicely overall. Graphics and sound are weak, but not too offensive. There's many hrs of fun gameplay to be The transition to 3d is done nicely overall. Graphics and sound are weak, but not too offensive. There's many hrs of fun gameplay to be had here, so I'd recommend it.… Full Review »
  3. SteveM.
    Jun 5, 2005
    9
    This Game is cool it has lots of cool moves and graphics better than the other kof. this ones the best.
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